Crest of Darkness - _Give Us the Power to Do Your Evil_(My Kingdom Music, 2007)by: Quentin Kalis (4.5 out of 10)

Crest of Darkness were one of many Norwegian bands to surface during the heyday of black metal in 1996 / '97, yet never had the impact of many of their peers. Unlike others who need not be named, they have stayed true to their roots and are not performing black 'n' roll, Hollywood symphonics or Casio toned dark ambient. However, I suspect that their roots were not that interesting to begin with, and neither is _Give Us the Power to Do Your Evil_.

Although Crest of Darkness proclaim allegiance to the Prince of Darkness, the price for selling his soul appears to be his creativity -- how else to explain teenage titles such as "Antichrist" and "Your Demons"? In case you thought it couldn't get any dumber, the cover features exposed breasts, as if he is Cradle of Filth. The simple titles and cover will probably appeal to fourteen year olds desperate to rebel.

On the upside, this has a fairly punchy production, even a memorable riff or two -- although too few and far between to have any positive effect. This is a key-free exercise, but I doubt their inclusion could add anything in-between the tired growls and pointless blasting.

There's little to recommend this over the numerous black metal albums released this year, many of far greater calibre. Sometimes the devil doesn't have the best tunes.